PUBLIC consultation is taking place over the future of the High Street and Saltmarket area of Glasgow City Centre.
The area — home to Glasgow Cathedral, Provand’s Lordship, the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, the Necropolis, the Tolbooth Steeple and Glasgow Green — is a key regeneration priority for the city council.
A working group has been formed to develop a five-year action plan for improvements.
Key aims include:
— Supporting the heritage strategy for the area, promoting the local built environment as a visitor destination and building on the area’s medieval history and range of internationally recognised historical assets
— Celebrating and promoting the area’s unique attractions
— Enhancing the look and feel of the area
— Improving physical connections to and throughout the area
— Maximising growth opportunities for local and emerging SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises)
— Increasing footfall to the area
| Public consultation runs until 7 May 2018 — click for more
Three main work streams have already been identified — heritage, economic development and public realm.
There will be partnership working between property owners; heritage organisations; the Glasgow City Innovation District; businesses developing in the Tontine and growing from it; the creative industries located in the Barras, Trongate 103 and the Briggait; and local small businesses, including start-ups and pop-ups.
A cross-party body — the High Street Reference Group — has been established to oversee the implementation of the action plan. It is made up of councillors from the three wards bordering the area.
Councillor Angus Millar, depute city convener for inclusive economic growth at Glasgow City Council and chairman of the High Street Reference Group, said: “The High Street and Saltmarket area is one with a rich heritage and enormous potential, but there is a widespread feeling that the area has not been given the attention or recognition it deserves as the historic heart of Glasgow.
“With the right investment and approach, it can be restored to its traditional role as an important centre for Glasgow, and the High Street Action Plan identifies a range of key priorities and opportunities to revitalise and champion the area.
“We would like everyone with a stake or interest in the High Street and Saltmarket’s future to take part in this consultation, put forward their thoughts and ideas and help us deliver a future worthy of its history.”
